US9593820B1 - Vehicle illumination system - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle is provided which includes a first panel defining a vent and a second panel positioned proximate the first panel. A lighting assembly is positioned within the vent including a first plurality and a second plurality of light sources. A heat sink is thermally coupled with the first and second plurality of light sources. An optical member is optically coupled to the first and second plurality of light sources. A photoluminescent structure is positioned on the second panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lighting systems, and more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems employing photoluminescent structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Illumination arising from photoluminescent materials offers a unique and attractive viewing experience. It is therefore desired to incorporate such photoluminescent materials in portions of vehicles to provide accent lighting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided which includes a first panel defining a vent and a second panel positioned proximate the first panel. A lighting assembly is positioned within the vent including a first plurality and a second plurality of light sources. A heat sink is thermally coupled with the first and second plurality of light sources. An optical member is optically coupled to the first and second plurality of light sources. A photoluminescent structure is positioned on the second panel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided which includes a first panel defining a vent and a second panel positioned proximate the vent. A lighting assembly is positioned within the vent includes a first plurality and a second plurality of light sources. An optical member is optically coupled to the first and second plurality of light sources. A photoluminescent structure is positioned on the second panel.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a fender panel defining a vent and a wheel well. A lighting assembly is positioned within the vent including a plurality of light sources. An optical member is optically coupled to the plurality of light sources. A photoluminescent structure is positioned proximate the vent. The optical member is configured to emit light from the plurality of light sources toward the wheel well and the photoluminescent structure.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a photoluminescent structure rendered as a coating for use in a vehicle light strip according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a top view of a photoluminescent structure rendered as a discrete particle according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a side view of a plurality of photoluminescent structures rendered as discrete particles and incorporated into a separate structure;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a light assembly, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a panel and the light assembly of the vehicle, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the panel taken at line IV ofFIG. 3, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an enhanced view taken at section V ofFIG. 4, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the vehicle and the lighting system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detailed design and some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

Referring toFIGS. 1A-1C, various exemplary embodiments ofphotoluminescent structures10 are shown, each capable of being coupled to asubstrate12, which may correspond to a vehicle fixture or vehicle related piece of equipment. InFIG. 1A, thephotoluminescent structure10 is generally shown rendered as a coating (e.g., a film) that may be applied to a surface of thesubstrate12. InFIG. 1B, thephotoluminescent structure10 is generally shown as a discrete particle capable of being integrated with asubstrate12. InFIG. 1C, thephotoluminescent structure10 is generally shown as a plurality of discrete particles that may be incorporated into a support medium14 (e.g., a film) that may then be applied (as shown) or integrated with thesubstrate12.

At the most basic level, a givenphotoluminescent structure10 includes anenergy conversion layer16 that may include one or more sublayers, which are exemplarily shown through broken lines inFIGS. 1A and 1B. Each sublayer of theenergy conversion layer16 may include one or morephotoluminescent materials18 having energy converting elements with phosphorescent or fluorescent properties. Eachphotoluminescent material18 may become excited upon receiving anexcitation emission24 of a specific wavelength, thereby causing the light to undergo a conversion process. Under the principle of down conversion, theexcitation emission24 is converted into a longer wavelength, convertedlight26, that is outputted from thephotoluminescent structure10. Conversely, under the principle of up conversion, theexcitation emission24 is converted into a shorter wavelength light that is outputted from thephotoluminescent structure10. When multiple distinct wavelengths of light are outputted from thephotoluminescent structure10 at the same time, the wavelengths of light may mix together and be expressed as a multicolor light.

Light emitted by a light source is referred to herein as theexcitation emission24 or excitation light and is illustrated herein as solid arrows. In contrast, light emitted from thephotoluminescent structure10 is referred to herein asconverted light26 and is illustrated herein as broken arrows. The mixture ofexcitation emission24 and convertedlight26 that may be emitted simultaneously is referred to herein as outputted light.

Theenergy conversion layer16 may be prepared by dispersing thephotoluminescent material18 in a polymer matrix to form a homogenous mixture using a variety of methods. Such methods may include preparing theenergy conversion layer16 from a formulation in a liquidcarrier support medium14 and coating theenergy conversion layer16 to a desiredsubstrate12. Theenergy conversion layer16 may be applied to thesubstrate12 by painting, screen-printing, spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating, and bar coating. Alternatively, theenergy conversion layer16 may be prepared by methods that do not use the liquidcarrier support medium14. For example, theenergy conversion layer16 may be rendered by dispersing thephotoluminescent material18 into a solid-state solution (homogenous mixture in a dry state) that may be incorporated in a polymer matrix, which may be formed by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, calendaring, thermoforming, etc. Theenergy conversion layer16 may then be integrated into thesubstrate12 using any methods known to those skilled in the art. When theenergy conversion layer16 includes sublayers, each sublayer may be sequentially coated to form theenergy conversion layer16. Alternatively, the sublayers can be separately prepared and later laminated or embossed together to form theenergy conversion layer16. Alternatively still, theenergy conversion layer16 may be formed by coextruding the sublayers.

In some embodiments, the converted light26 that has been down converted or up converted may be used to excite other photoluminescent material(s)18 found in theenergy conversion layer16. The process of using the converted light26 outputted from onephotoluminescent material18 to excite another, and so on, is generally known as an energy cascade and may serve as an alternative for achieving various color expressions. With respect to either conversion principle, the difference in wavelength between theexcitation emission24 and the convertedlight26 is known as the Stokes shift and serves as the principal driving mechanism for an energy conversion process corresponding to a change in wavelength of light. In the various embodiments discussed herein, each of thephotoluminescent structures10 may operate under either conversion principle.

Referring back toFIGS. 1A and 1B, thephotoluminescent structure10 may optionally include at least onestability layer20 to protect thephotoluminescent material18 contained within theenergy conversion layer16 from photolytic and thermal degradation. Thestability layer20 may be configured as a separate layer optically coupled and adhered to theenergy conversion layer16. Alternatively, thestability layer20 may be integrated with theenergy conversion layer16. Thephotoluminescent structure10 may also optionally include aprotective layer22 optically coupled and adhered to thestability layer20 or other layer (e.g., theconversion layer16 in the absence of the stability layer20) to protect thephotoluminescent structure10 from physical and chemical damage arising from environmental exposure. Thestability layer20 and/or theprotective layer22 may be combined with theenergy conversion layer16 through sequential coating or printing of each layer, sequential lamination or embossing, or any other suitable means.

Additional information regarding the construction ofphotoluminescent structures10 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding fabrication and utilization of photoluminescent materials to achieve various light emissions, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 8,207,511 to Bortz et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT FIBERS, COMPOSITIONS AND FABRICS MADE THEREFROM”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,247,761 to Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT MARKINGS WITH FUNCTIONAL OVERLAYERS”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,519,359 to Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,664,624 to Kingsley et al., entitled “ILLUMINATION DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR GENERATING SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION”; U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0183677 to Agrawal et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE AND NOVEL USES”; U.S. Pat. No. 9,057,021 to Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLUMINESCENT OBJECTS”; and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0103258 to Agrawal et al., entitled “CHROMIC LUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND TEXTILES,” all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

According to one embodiment, thephotoluminescent material18 may include organic or inorganic fluorescent dyes including rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, and phthalocyanines. Additionally, or alternatively, thephotoluminescent material18 may include phosphors from the group of Ce-doped garnets such as YAG:Ce and may be a shortpersistence photoluminescent material18. For example, an emission by Ce³⁺is based on an electronic energy transition from 5d1 to 4f1 as a parity allowed transition. As a result of this, a difference in energy between the light absorption and the light emission by Ce³⁺is small, and the luminescent level of Ce³⁺has an ultra-short lifespan, or decay time, of 10⁻⁸to 10⁻⁷seconds (10 to 100 nanoseconds). The decay time may be defined as the time between the end of excitation from theexcitation emission24 and the moment when the light intensity of the converted light26 emitted from thephotoluminescent structure10 drops below a minimum visibility of 0.32 mcd/m². A visibility of 0.32 mcd/m²is roughly 100 times the sensitivity of the dark-adapted human eye, which corresponds to a base level of illumination commonly used by persons of ordinary skill in the art.

According to one embodiment, a Ce³⁺ garnet may be utilized, which has a peak excitation spectrum that may reside in a shorter wavelength range than that of conventional YAG:Ce-type phosphors. Accordingly, Ce³⁺has short persistence characteristics such that its decay time may be 100 milliseconds or less. Therefore, in some embodiments, the rare earth aluminum garnet type Ce phosphor may serve as thephotoluminescent material18 with ultra-short persistence characteristics, which can emit the converted light26 by absorbing purple toblue excitation emission24 emitted from thelight source44. According to one embodiment, a ZnS:Ag phosphor may be used to create a blue convertedlight26. A ZnS:Cu phosphor may be utilized to create a yellowish-green converted light26. A Y₂O₂S:Eu phosphor may be used to create red converted light26. Moreover, the aforementioned phosphorescent materials may be combined to form a wide range of colors, including white light. It will be understood that any short persistence photoluminescent material known in the art may be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein. Additional information regarding the production of short persistence photoluminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,163,201 to Kingsley et al., entitled “PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Additionally, or alternatively, thephotoluminescent material18, according to one embodiment, disposed within thephotoluminescent structure10 may include a longpersistence photoluminescent material18 that emits the convertedlight26, once charged by theexcitation emission24. Theexcitation emission24 may be emitted from any excitation source (e.g., any natural light source, such as the sun, and/or any artificial light source44). The longpersistence photoluminescent material18 may be defined as having a long decay time due to its ability to store theexcitation emission24 and release the converted light26 gradually, for a period of several minutes or hours, once theexcitation emission24 is no longer present.

The longpersistence photoluminescent material18, according to one embodiment, may be operable to emit light at or above an intensity of 0.32 mcd/m²after a period of 10 minutes. Additionally, the longpersistence photoluminescent material18 may be operable to emit light above or at an intensity of 0.32 mcd/m²after a period of 30 minutes and, in some embodiments, for a period substantially longer than 60 minutes (e.g., the period may extend 24 hours or longer, and in some instances, the period may extend 48 hours). Accordingly, the longpersistence photoluminescent material18 may continually illuminate in response to excitation from any light sources that emits theexcitation emission24, including, but not limited to, natural light sources (e.g., the sun) and/or any artificiallight source44. The periodic absorption of theexcitation emission24 from any excitation source may provide for a substantially sustained charge of the longpersistence photoluminescent material18 to provide for consistent passive illumination. In some embodiments, a light sensor may monitor the illumination intensity of thephotoluminescent structure10 and actuate an excitation source when the illumination intensity falls below 0.32 mcd/m², or any other predefined intensity level.

The longpersistence photoluminescent material18 may correspond to alkaline earth aluminates and silicates, for example doped di-silicates, or any other compound that is capable of emitting light for a period of time once theexcitation emission24 is no longer present. The longpersistence photoluminescent material18 may be doped with one or more ions, which may correspond to rare earth elements, for example, Eu2+, Tb3+ and/or Dy3. According to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, thephotoluminescent structure10 includes a phosphorescent material in the range of about 30% to about 55%, a liquid carrier medium in the range of about 25% to about 55%, a polymeric resin in the range of about 15% to about 35%, a stabilizing additive in the range of about 0.25% to about 20%, and performance-enhancing additives in the range of about 0% to about 5%, each based on the weight of the formulation.

Thephotoluminescent structure10, according to one embodiment, may be a translucent white color, and in some instances reflective, when unilluminated. Once thephotoluminescent structure10 receives theexcitation emission24 of a particular wavelength, thephotoluminescent structure10 may emit any color light (e.g., blue or red) therefrom at any desired brightness. According to one embodiment, a blue emitting phosphorescent material may have the structure Li₂ZnGeO₄and may be prepared by a high temperature solid-state reaction method or through any other practicable method and/or process. The afterglow may last for a duration of two to eight hours and may originate from theexcitation emission24 and d-d transitions of Mn²⁺ ions.

According to an alternate non-limiting exemplary embodiment, 100 parts of a commercial solvent-borne polyurethane, such as Mace resin107-268, having 50% solids polyurethane in toluene/isopropanol, 125 parts of a blue green long persistence phosphor, such as Performance Indicator PI-BG20, and 12.5 parts of a dye solution containing 0.1% Lumogen Yellow F083 in dioxolane may be blended to yield a low rare earthmineral photoluminescent structure10. It will be understood that the compositions provided herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, any phosphor known in the art may be utilized within thephotoluminescent structure10 without departing from the teachings provided herein. Moreover, it is contemplated that any long persistence phosphor known in the art may also be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein.

Additional information regarding the production of long persistence photoluminescent materials is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,163,201 to Agrawal et al., entitled “HIGH-INTENSITY, PERSISTENT PHOTOLUMINESCENT FORMULATIONS AND OBJECTS, AND METHODS FOR CREATING THE SAME,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional information regarding long persistence phosphorescent structures, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,536 to Yen et al., entitled “LONG PERSISTENT PHOSPHORS AND PERSISTENT ENERGY TRANSFER TECHNIQUE”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,362 to Yen et al., entitled “LONG-PERSISTENT BLUE PHOSPHORS”; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,952,341 to Kingsley et al., entitled “LOW RARE EARTH MINERAL PHOTOLUMINESCENT COMPOSITIONS AND STRUCTURES FOR GENERATING LONG-PERSISTENT LUMINESCENCE,” all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Referring now toFIGS. 2-6,reference numeral40 generally designates a vehicle having afirst panel44. Thefirst panel44 defines avent48 thereon. Asecond panel52 is positioned proximate thefirst panel44. Alighting assembly56 is positioned within thevent48. Thelighting assembly56 includes a first plurality oflight sources60, a second plurality oflight sources64, aheat sink68, and anoptical member72. Theheat sink68 is thermally coupled with the first and second plurality oflight sources60,64. Thephotoluminescent structure10 is positioned proximate thefirst panel44.

Referring now toFIG. 2, thevehicle40 is depicted as a car, but the disclosure provided herein may equally be applied to vans, sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, sedans or any other type of automobile. In the depicted embodiment, thefirst panel44 is shown as a front fender76, but it will be understood that the first panel may be other body panels and panels of thevehicle40. For example, the first panel may be ahood80, arear fender84, a bumper, aroof92, and/or atrunk lid96. Similar to thefirst panel44, thesecond panel52 is depicted as a door100 but may be thehood80, therear fender84, the bumper88, theroof92, thetrunk lid96, or any other body panel located on thevehicle40. As shown, thefirst panel44 defines thevent48. Thevent48 is an aperture configured to allow air to pass between awheel well108 and aside112 of thevehicle40. According to various embodiments, thevent48 is configured to draw air in through the wheel well108 while the vehicle is moving and pass it to theside112 of thevehicle40. Thevent48 may be fully defined by thefirst panel44, or by a combination of panels. Providing an air flow through thevent48 may be advantageous in increasing aerodynamics of thevehicle40, cooling awheel116 located within the wheel well108, or cooling a brake system coupled with thewheel116 located within thewheel well108. Further, as explained in greater detail below, the air flow to thevent48 may further be configured to cool theheat sink68 of thelighting assembly56. Thelighting assembly56 positioned within thevent48 is configured to emit light onto the door100, onto thephotoluminescent structure10, into the wheel well108, and form apuddle lamp120 on a ground next to the door100 of thevehicle40. Thepuddle lamp120 may be configured to illuminate the ground below thevehicle40 such that as an occupant is entering or exiting thevehicle40, puddles and/or other debris proximate thevehicle40 may be illuminated and avoided. Further, as explained below, thelighting assembly56 is configured to emit a plurality of types of light from thevent48. For example, thelighting assembly56 may emit theexcitation emission24, visible light, colored light, white light and/or non-visible light. Theexcitation emission24 emanating from thevent48 onto the door100 may fall on a decal (e.g., the photoluminescent structure10) which may cause the decals to emit the convertedlight26. The decal may take a variety of configurations including alphanumeric text, symbols and/or pictures. For example, the decal may indicate a make or model of thevehicle40 and/or include a graphic (e.g., flames or a symbol of the manufacturer of the vehicle40). Further, the decal may include a plurality ofphotoluminescent structures10 each configured to be activated by adifferent excitation emission24.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, thelighting assembly56 is positioned on aninternal surface128 of thefirst panel44 within thevent48. Thelighting assembly56 is positioned on theinternal surface128 of thefirst panel44 such that theoptical member72 may transmit light into the wheel well108 as well as toward theside112 of thevehicle40. In the depicted embodiment, thelighting assembly56 is positioned on theinternal surface128 such that theoptical member72 is in contact with theinternal surface128, the first and secondlight sources60,64 are optically coupled to theoptical member72 and theheat sink68 is in contact with the air flow through thevent48. Thefirst panel44 defines aconcealment flange132 and a retainingflange136. Thelighting assembly56 is configured to be retained between theconcealment flange132 and the retainingflange136. In alternate constructions, thelighting assembly56 may be retained to thefirst panel44 by an adhesive and/or other mechanical fastening system (e.g., screws, clips, etc.). Theconcealment flange132 is positioned vehicle rearward of thelighting assembly56 such that when thevent48 andfirst panel44 is viewed from a vehicle rearward perspective, thelighting assembly56 may be concealed behind theconcealment flange132. Theconcealment flange132 may be composed of a polymeric material which is translucent, transparent, or clear. In a specific example, theconcealment flange132 may include a vacuum metallized layer such that it is both reflective and transmissive. Theconcealment flange132 is configured to allow light emitted from the first and second pluralities oflight source60,64 into theoptical member72 to be transmitted in a vehicle rearward direction from thevent48 toward thephotoluminescent structure10, theside112 of thevehicle40, and to the location of thepuddle lamp120. Theoptical member72 may include one or more optics positioned proximate theconcealment flange132 to direct the light and theexcitation emission24 of the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64 toward the desired location on or proximate thevehicle40. For example, separate optics may be defined by, or positioned proximate theoptical member72 to form thepuddle lamp120, form the general illumination of theside112 of thevehicle40 and/or illuminate the decal. Further, optics may be formed to illuminate the door100 while it is in an open position. Theoptical member72 extends over the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64 and may extend, as depicted, more vehicle rearwardly than the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64. In the depicted embodiment, theoptical member72 may allow emission of light toward the wheel well108, as well as toward theinternal surface128. For example, in the depicted configuration, the retainingflange136 extends over only a portion of theoptical member72. Accordingly, light may be emitted from theoptical member72 toward theinternal surface128 in areas not covered by the retainingflange136. Theheat sink68 is positioned on the opposite side of the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64 from theoptical member72. Theheat sink68 is in thermal communication with the flow of air passing through thevent48 from the wheel well108 to theside112 of thevehicle40. By thermally coupling theheat sink68 with the air passing through thevent48, heat generated by the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64 that passes to theheat sink68 may be dissipated into the air thereby allowing a greater production of light from the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64 while thevehicle40 is in motion.

Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, thelight producing assembly56 includes theheat sink68, a printedcircuit board140, the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64 and theoptical member72. According to various embodiments, the printedcircuit board140 is positioned between theheat sink68 and theoptical member72. Such a configuration may provide protection to the printedcircuit board140 from environmental exposure and hazards (e.g., dirt, water, grime, etc.). Theheat sink68 may be composed of a material capable of high heat conduction and having a high heat capacity. For example, theheat sink68 may be formed of a metal and/or a polymeric material with a high heat capacity. According to some embodiments, theheat sink68 may further define one or more fins or other features configured to increase the surface area of theheat sink68 in contact with the air flow through thevent48. An increased surface area of theheat sink68 with the airflow may provide an increased heat conduction to the air.

The first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64 are positioned on and electrically connected with the printedcircuit board140. The first and/or second pluralities oflight sources60,64 may be configured to emit blue light, white light, colored light, nonvisible (e.g., ultraviolet and or infrared) or a mixture thereof. According to one embodiment, the first plurality of light sources may be configured as side emitting light sources. The side emitting light sources of the first plurality oflight sources60 are configured to emit light down a length of the optical member72 (e.g., generally down a length of the vehicle40). The side emitting light sources of the first plurality oflight sources60 may be arranged in an alternating manner or in another pattern or random orientation such that light is emitted in each direction (e.g., toward theside112 of thevehicle40 or toward the wheel well108) along theoptical member72. For light sources of the first plurality oflight sources60 configured to emit light toward theside112 of thevehicle40, a portion of the light sources may be configured to emit theexcitation emission24 while another portion may be configured to emit visible light. Use of a first portion which emits theexcitation emission24 and a second portion which emits visible lights may allow light emitting from thevent48 toward theside112 of thevehicle40 to both excite the decal (e.g., photoluminescent structure10), while also providing ambient illumination to theside112 of thevehicle40 as explained in greater detail below. The second plurality oflight sources64 may include top emitting diodes configured to emit light into theoptical member72. The top emission configuration of the second plurality oflight sources64 provides light to theoptical member72 which may be emitted toward the wheel well108, toward theinternal surface128 and/or toward theside112 of thevehicle40.

Theoptical member72 is optically coupled with both the first and the second pluralities oflight sources60,64. Theoptical member72 may be overmolded onto the printedcircuit board140 and the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64. Theoptical member72 may be translucent, transparent, and/or clear material configured to propagate light. Theoptical member72 may be formed of a polymeric material such as silicone, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene, polypropylene and/or other transparent polymers. Theoptical member72 may further be configured to function as an additional heat sink to absorb heat generated by the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64. In such an embodiment, theoptical member72 may include one or more metals configured to increase the heat capacity and/or heat conduction properties of theoptical member72. Theoptical member72 may be over-molded onto the printedcircuit board140 such that the first and second pluralities oflight sources60,64 are within theoptical member72.

Referring now toFIG. 6, a block diagram of thevehicle40 is shown in which thelight assembly56 is implemented. Thevehicle40 includes a controller150 in communication with thelighting assembly56. The controller150 may includememory154 having instructions contained therein executed by aprocessor158 of the controller150. The controller150 may provide electrical power to thelighting assembly56 by apower source162 located onboard thevehicle40. Thememory154 may include variety of routines configured to control thelight assembly56 that may be executed by the controller150. In a first example, thememory154 may contain instructions to vary which light sources of the first plurality oflight sources60 are activated in order to achieve a desired affect from thephotoluminescent structure10. For example, different light sources of the first plurality oflight sources60 may be activated based on the type ofexcitation emission24 emitted which may thereby cause different portions of thephotoluminescent structure10 to be activated and emit the convertedlight26. Such an effect may give thephotoluminescent structure10 the appearance of movements and/or color change based on the order of light sources activated by the controller150. In a second example, thememory154 may contain instructions for specific lighting patterns based on sensed vehicle conditions (e.g., welcome, farewell, and movement, stationary). For example, a portion or all of the first and/or second pluralities oflight sources60,64 may be activated such that a desired color or lighting pattern is affected within the wheel well108 and/or along theside112 of thevehicle40. For example, while in motion, thelighting assembly56 may be configured to illuminate (e.g., in amber colored light) theside112 of thevehicle40 to increase visibility if a day/night sensor of thevehicle40 detects low lighting proximate thevehicle40. In another example, when thevehicle40 is stationary, thelighting assembly56 may illuminate the wheel well108 and/or theside112 of thevehicle40 in a desired ambient lighting for both welcoming and farewell events as the driver of thevehicle40 approaches or leaves the car (e.g., as sensed by the presence of a key fob). In a third example, thelighting assembly56 may be configured to activate specific light sources (e.g., a portion of the light sources of the first and/or second pluralities oflight sources60,64) based on optics located on theoptical member72 such that certain portions of theside112 of thevehicle40 may be illuminated and/or to create thepuddle lamp120 proximate thevehicle40. In a fourth example, the controller150 may utilize data from a moisture or rain sensor of thevehicle40 to determine if thepuddle lamp120 should be activated.

Use of the present disclosure may offer a variety of advantages. First, use of a heat conductive polymeric embodiment of theheat sink68 allows for heat generated by thelighting assembly56 to be dissipated into the air passing through thevent48. As light emitting diodes are operated, heat is generated and a light production of the light emitting diodes may decrease. By dissipating the heat from thelight assembly56 into the air of thevent48, an increased light production from thelight assembly56 may be achieved while thevehicle40 is in operation. Further, polymeric examples of the heat sinks68 may allow for increased robustness of thelighting assembly56 to debris and environmental exposure. Second, providing illumination in a rearward direction from thevent48 by thelighting assembly56 may increase safety and aesthetic appeal of thevehicle40. For example, by illuminating theside112 of thevehicle40, both the visibility under low lighting conditions as well as the aesthetic appearance of thevehicle40 may be increased. Further, by creating thepuddle lamp120 on the ground proximate thevehicle40, an increased safety for the users of thevehicle40 may be achieved by highlighting puddles and/or debris proximate thevehicle40. Third, use of theconcealment flange132 allows for theoptical member72 to be concealed from viewing which may increase the aesthetics of thevehicle40. Fourth, by utilizing the disclosedlighting assembly56, a variety of aesthetic lighting effects may be achieved without having to position thelighting assembly56 on the door100 (i.e., which may be subject to a variety of package space requirements).

The following disclosure describes an illumination system for a vehicle configured to illuminate a portion of the vehicle as well as a surface beneath or behind a vehicle. In some embodiments, a light source may be utilized to illuminate both the surface beneath the vehicle and the vehicle. The light source may be configured to emit light at a first wavelength or primary emission to excite a photoluminescent structure. The photoluminescent structure may be disposed on a body feature of the vehicle and be configured to convert the first wavelength of the light or the primary emission into a second wavelength or secondary emission. The first wavelength of the light may correspond to a first color of light and the second wavelength may correspond to a second color of light, different from the first color. While the various embodiments of the illumination system described herein refer to specific structures demonstrated in reference to at least one automotive vehicle, it will be appreciated that the vehicle illumination system may be utilized in a variety of applications.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present teachings, it is noted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms “substantially” and “approximately” are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims, by their language, expressly state otherwise.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle, comprising:

a first panel on a side of the vehicle defining a vent;

a second panel separately positioned proximate the first panel;

a lighting assembly positioned proximate the vent, comprising:

first and second pluralities of light sources;

a heat sink thermally coupled with the first and second pluralities of light sources; and

an optical member optically coupled to the first and second plurality of light sources; and

a photoluminescent structure positioned on the second panel.

2. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the optical member is configured to form a puddle light proximate the second panel.

3. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of first and second pluralities of light sources are configured to emit an excitation emission configured to excite the photoluminescent structure into emitting light.

4. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the first plurality of light sources comprises side emitting light sources.

5. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the first body panel is vacuum metallized proximate the optical member.

6. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the heat sink is in thermal communication with air within the vent.

7. The vehicle ofclaim 6, wherein the heat sink comprises a polymeric material.

8. A vehicle, comprising:

a first body panel on a side of the vehicle defining a vent;

a second panel separately positioned proximate the vent;

a lighting assembly positioned within the vent, comprising:

a first plurality and a second plurality of light sources; and

an optical member optically coupled to the first and second plurality of light sources; and

a photoluminescent structure positioned on the second panel.

9. The vehicle ofclaim 8, wherein the vent is configured to allow air flow through the first body panel.

10. The vehicle ofclaim 9, wherein the lighting assembly further comprises a polymeric heat sink.

11. The vehicle ofclaim 10, wherein the polymeric heat sink is in thermal communication with the air flow through the first body panel.

12. The vehicle ofclaim 8, wherein the first body panel is vacuum metallized proximate the optical member.

13. The vehicle ofclaim 8, wherein the optical member is configured to emit an excitation emission from at least one of the first and second pluralities of light sources onto the photoluminescent structure.

14. The vehicle ofclaim 13, wherein the photoluminescent structure emits light in response to the excitation emission.

15. A vehicle, comprising:

a fender panel defining a vent and a wheel well;

a lighting assembly positioned within the vent, comprising:

a plurality of light sources; and

an optical member optically coupled to the plurality of light sources; and

a photoluminescent structure separately positioned from the lighting assembly and proximate the vent, the optical member configured to emit light from the plurality of light sources toward the wheel well and the photoluminescent structure.

16. The vehicle ofclaim 15, wherein the photoluminescent structure is configured to emit light in response to receiving light from the optical member.

17. The vehicle ofclaim 16, wherein the optical member is further configured to emit the light from the plurality of light sources as a puddle lamp proximate the vehicle.

18. The vehicle ofclaim 17, wherein the light assembly further comprises a heat sink in thermal communication with air within the vent.

19. The vehicle ofclaim 18, wherein the heat sink comprises a polymeric material.

20. The vehicle ofclaim 19, wherein the plurality of light sources comprises at least one side emitting light source.

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